Our January publication in the Stone of the Month column is about the mineral tiger's eye. From the point of view of mineralogy, tiger’s eye is a variety of quartz. Chemically classified as silicon dioxide with the addition of iron oxide. This stone is famous for its silky lustre and the characteristic golden streaks that run across its dark brown surface. These streaks are formed by an optical phenomenon in which light is reflected from parallel inclusions within the stone. The highest quality specimens of this gem are mined in various regions, including South Africa and Ukraine (Krivoy Rog). Rich deposits are also found in Russia, the United States, Myanmar, Australia and India. A variety of tiger's eye known as bull's eye is mined in Eastern Siberia (Russia).

The stone has a glassy luster and is highly brittle. The color of tiger's eye varies from golden yellow to dark brown, with brown, black or gold streaks and wavy patterns. Its iridescence may result in darker or lighter color tones depending on viewing angle; on fracture, the stone has an irregular shell-like texture. Some stones contain less iron, which may result in a bluish shade.

The stone was named tiger's eye several thousand years ago, during the Sumerian civilization. It was honored by the tribes of Central America, Australia and Oceania, whose totem animal was the tiger. Only the chief was allowed to wear an amulet made of this stone. Indian Brahmins presented semi-precious stones to their main gods. A stone resembling the eye of a tiger was predestinated to Shiva. The Egyptians were sure that the stone was the main symbol of the god Ra. The mineral was popular in ancient Rome. There it was attributed with magical qualities: protection from voodoo and evil eye, and warriors wore it as an amulet that could protect them in the toughest battles. Europeans began to appreciate tiger's eye only in the 19^th century. The paradox is that although the stone was not expensive even then, jewelry made of it was considered refined and exquisite. There was a time when, ordinary people were forbidden to have jewelry and talismans made of tiger's eye - only aristocrats had the right to own them, who wore rings with large stones to protect themselves from robbers and ruin, as well as to increase their wealth. Later, the tiger's eye became an amulet for bankers who believed that the mineral would protect them from ruin and unreliable deals.

Tiger's eye is a popular stone among jewellers. While processing tiger's eye, it is very important to preserve all the shades and shimmers of the gemstone as much as possible. For this reason, the stone is usually faceted as cabochon, as in this case its full beauty is revealed. For earrings and pendants, the stone is used to make plates, beads, both round and odd-shaped. The mineral is widely used as an ornamental material. Large-sized items are rarely made of it, but small sculptures, caskets and statuettes are made in large quantities.

Magical properties have been attributed to the stone throughout history. It is believed that the mineral endows its owner with strong intuition, helping to solve confusing issues. It also helps to find inspiration, so creative people cannot do without this stone, and it is better for them to wear tiger's eye in a ring. For families, the stone will bring harmony to the home and help keep feelings fresh.
In addition, the mineral is traditionally endowed with the property of "attracting" money, happiness and luck. It helps to focus at the right moment, to concentrate on a certain case, gives confidence and purposefulness.
The stone helps not only active, independent and purposeful people. If a lazy person wears such a stone as a piece of jewelry, there will be a constant internal struggle: the stone will weigh him down. Melancholic persons and pessimists should refuse from the tiger's eye. The stone is incompatible with them. Such people usually lost it.

The museum Collection section titled "Lapidary Art and Bone-carving Art" features items carved entirely from a monolithic piece of tiger's eye or with decorative details carved from this mineral:

Teddy-Bear. Manfred Wild. Germany, Idar-Oberstein. The 20th century
Squirrel with acorn. Manfred Wild. Germany, Idar-Oberstein. The 20th century
Owls on a branch. Luis Alberto Cuizpe Aparicio. The 20th century
Flying duck. Paul Dreyer. Germany, Idar-Oberstein. The 20th century

On the cover: Roaring Lion. Paul Dreyer. Germany, Idar-Oberstein. The 20th century

Ref.:
https://o-prirode.ru/tigrovyj-glaz/
https://www.liveinternet.ru/users/4393042/post299360368
https://samotsvet.ru/enciklopedia/tigrovyy-glaz-svoystva-i-komu-podkhodit.html
https://silaamuleta.ru/kamni/tigrovyj-glaz/
https://moonorganizer.com/ru/magicheskie-svoistva-tigrovogo-glaza/
https://dzen.ru/a/ZPJjJejLA1h-lLh4